Harvard University academics, Prof. Mark R. Kramer and Prof. Michael E. Porter, introduced the concept of 'Creating Shared Value (CSV)' in HBR (2011), as an approach that takes into account social problems which intersect with businesses and makes it a major part of the core business strategy of a company. In the context of India the approach is much more relevant as it is still struggling with numerous social issues like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, health etc. The academics feel that Indian businesses are still missing something in their view of long-term sustainabile business models. While speaking at 'Shared Value Summit 2015' in India, Prof. Kramer said, 'You cannot have a successful business in a failing society...for the CSV model to become a part of corporate hygiene anywhere needs major mindset change where we embrace a problem solving approach that goes beyond thinking what we can do in our company alone to also what we can do for society that we operate in.' He further explains that, 'CSV doesn't replace CSR and philanthropy, but can be in addition to them, such that businesses can find new opportunities for competitive advantage by beginning to think about these social issues as part of their overall corporate strategy.' Read on...

According to the latest MDG (Millennium Development Goals) Report 2013 released by the UN, India has made substantial progress in reducing its poverty that is visible from its consistently falling poverty rates - 49% in 1994, 42% in 2005, 33% in 2010. If this momentum continues India will be able to achieve its poverty reduction target by 2015. There are eight MDGs that need to be achieved by 2015 - (1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger (2) Achieve universal primary education (3) Promote gender equality and empower women (4) Reduce child mortality rates (5) Improve maternal health (6) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases (7) Ensure environmental sustainability (8) Develop a global partnership for development. Read on...

A foreign journalist posted in New Delhi, India shares his unique personal experiences about the country, its people, the better side and not so better one. A good description for people from other countries who intend to visit India and for Indians to understand and learn about India as well if they haven't experienced it already. A 4200 km journey, ninth longest in the world, in a general compartment from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. A road trip from Guwahati to Tawang. A visit to a sewage work and garbage dump in the industrial town of Surat, Gujarat. An example of better waste management. A boat ride on polluted Yamuna river in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. He suggests better management of cities, reduction in poverty, emphasis on education and more job creation. Read on...

India's lack of existing infrastructure could be a blessing in disguise for 'Innovation' to happen, says an expert. The examples of this would be the telecom sector and now the hospitals. Since there is hardly any strong pre-existing foundation, the only choice is to innovate, create and build the latest in that particular industry. 'Reverse Innovation' is another thing that can be advantageous to India's economy. Indigenously developed innovative products and services can expand their reach into external markets, particularly in developed nations. Read on...

Convergence of 'Corporate Social Responsibility, Government Policies, Responsible Capitalism, Social Entrepreneurship and Technology' can assist India in achieving inclusive growth and development targets. Probably a strong road map with effective leadership at various levels, efficient management of resources, collaborations with diverse organizations and communities etc can help us be a developed nation. Seeking common grounds within conflicting and diverse views and approaches may be the need for positive and valuable partnerships. The future seems bright but of course there are various challenges. Read on...

Government suggests partnerships with private sector by aligning their CSR (Corportate Social Responsibility) for public health issues. Private sector can utilize its expertise, innovation, market reach, technologies etc to support government programs like child survival, maternal health and various other developmental programs. Collaborations between UNICEF and IICA (Indian Institute for Corporate Affairs) intends to develop a web platform for seeking collaboration with private corporations for social projects. The participation would bring better convergence of CSR activities with the government's social development priorities. Read on...

Brief analysis of a 'Happy Indian' personality. Do Indians have extraordinary ability to be satisfied & remain contended? Are they less 'driven' in their worldly pursuits? Do they play safe & are less risk takers? Read on...